He's the best player in the world right now and he"ll always make the Lakers competitive at least. They"ll make the playoffs, he"ll put on a show, put asses in seats, make people watch the Lakers and overall just give them #1 rating in every category.

But here's the deal. The Lakers just may not be going anywhere with him if what they plan is indeed keeping Bynum and developing this pathetic core.

Basically, this summer they need to decide. Is it Kobe or is it a complete rebuilding.

Now, you may think this makes no sense but how much effort have the Lakers put in getting Kobe the help he needs?
Not much really.
They've been ignoring some issues for a long time now.

The direction of the team is very unknown. Where are they going? What are they doing?

If they don't manage to build around Kobe this summer, I want them to split ways.

1. The Lakers can get young talent in return.
2. The Lakers can get an expiring contract in return and have a much better cap situation
3. If they get rid of Kobe, they won't be mediocre but bad which means they"ll have higher draft picks.

Basically, youth + draft + cap space.

That's how you rebuild.

The Kobe project has failed misserably so far.l
It's not Kobe's fault because he was never really given what he needs to succed but why beat a dead horse? If it isn't working, it isn't.
If the management wants to keep some players and risk Kobe's patience, why not trade him right away before he demands a trade himself or walks out in 2 years?

At least get something back for him.

If they fail this summer then Kobe should be put on the market and be given a chance to win with a competitive organization that will try to build around him.

His value is so high that the Lakers can get all for him, from young talent to cap space to even some draft picks.

Seriously, I know it sounds ugly but what's the alternative if they don't build around Kobe?

Have Kobe will you to the playoffs, be out of the playoffs in round 1 year after year and be stuck in mediocrity because of no cap space, not so good draft picks and very little youth?

This summer, they need to grow some balls.

It's Kobe and Phil or a total makeover. Someone's got to go.

It's in the worst interest of the team to keep Kobe and keep developing this pathetic core and some young talent on the team. It doesn't work that way.

You either win now or later. You don't build the way the Lakers are building right now.

Can't just trade away the best player in the league. If the Lakers make the right moves to rebuild around kobe, then im sure the Lakers would improve alot quicker than to start with draft picks and waiting for bynum to develop.